Comforter Funeral Home

11/26/2025

Headed to a potluck? Having family members over for dinner? Check out this article for simple and tasty side dishes that are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers!

From refreshing salads to roasted veggies, we’ve got something here for everyone—and every main course.

11/24/2025

11/21/2025

Mary Helen Daniels Blanford

Mary Helen (Daniels) Blanford passed on November 17, 2025, in Poinciana, Florida. Mary Helen was born in Vernon, Florida, on July 28, 1942, to Theodore and Hazel (White) Daniels. She graduated from Port St. Joe High School in (1959), where she was a stand-out basketball player known across surrounding counties as a force.

Helen married J.C. Blanford (deceased) in (1959) and they set out on a military journey that would provide national and international travels to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska and Japan.

She became a mother to five children (J.C Blanford Jr. (deceased), Darren Stephan Blanford, Rhonda Blanford-Green, Daniel Chad Blanford, and Doland Keith Blanford.

Her heart and spirit were fed by her greatest love, her grandchildren and great-grand, Sheridan, John, Aspen, Sterling, Jason, Eden, Savannah, and Mya.

She is survived by her partner of (21 years) Ray Rishel. She is also survived and predeceased by her 5 brothers, 3-sisters and numerous nieces, nephews and grands.

Helen was an avid bowler who competed successfully and won numerous national tournaments as a member of the Denver Strikettes. She also had a deep appreciation for fashion and nature, loved telling stories, and generously shared her wisdom while advocating for the causes and people she loved the most.

A Gravesite Celebration and Scattering of Ashes Ceremony will be held 11:30 AM on December 13, 2025 at the Forest Hill Cemetery Pavilion, Port St. Joe Florida.

In lieu of flowers, Helen asks that family and friends consider donating to the Mary H. (Daniels) Blanford Fund. All proceeds will support the George Washington Elementary/High School Museum in her honor. (Fund Link: https://gofund.me/606c89ea6).

View Mary Helen Daniels Blanford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/21/2025

When you’re grieving, the last thing you need is added stress. While Thanksgiving brings a lot of wonderful things, it can also add more to your to-do list. To help you keep things simple while you’re grieving, check out these 7 ways to decrease your Thanksgiving stress!

Are you grieving this Thanksgiving? To keep things simple, check out these 7 ways to decrease Thanksgiving stress during times of grief.

11/20/2025

Caleb John "Jack" Blake Jr.

Caleb John "Jack" Blake Jr

14th April, 1942 – 5th November, 2025

Jack Blake was absolutely one of a kind, yet he was also "every man" Jack. When he entered a room, you could feel his presence; he had an unmistakably strong and powerful vibe. And if you didn't know him, you'd certainly know him before the room emptied. He had a way of connecting with anyone & everyone, and he endeared himself to thousands of people by just being Jack. To know him was to love him.

Jack was born to Caleb John "Jack" Sr. and Miriam R. Blake in Staten Island, NY in 1942. He spent his formative years as a real New Yorker; even after the family relocated to the Chicago area, he never lost that New York groove. He graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in Roseland, IL, and set off for higher education at Villanova University. It was at Villanova where he hooked up with a group of musicians, including Tim Hauser, Tommy West, and Jim Croce. Yes, the Jim Croce.

After studying at Villanova University, he followed in his father's footsteps and served in the United States Navy, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant JG. After his service, he had a "love at first sight" moment in which he met his wife of 58 years, Nancy. Work in the oil business found Jack and Nancy in Houston, TX where they introduced their first two children, Jake and Don. The Blake family relocated to the Chicago area in 1972 where they added Kate, Maggie, and Pat to the cast of the Blake family.

In Wauconda, IL, the Blake family was very involved with the local Catholic Parish and their many fundraisers, where Jack and Nancy shared their gift of music with the community. Over time, the entire Blake family would be seen performing on stage together. Of all Jack's accomplishments in life, his musical legacy was high on his list and was something of which he was immensely proud.

After retiring, Jack and Nancy moved to Green Lake, WI. Soon afterward, they discovered the town of Port St. Joe, FL, and fell in love with the area and its people. Over the course of 28 years, Jack and Nancy have been proud to call Port St. Joe their home. In retirement, he and Nancy became world travelers, eventually setting foot on every continent in the world, including Antarctica. During this time, they'd also spent a number of years running a B&B on the north island of New Zealand. Their travels are well documented, and there are literally tens of thousands of photos from all corners of the earth. And because Jack was just being Jack, lifelong friendships were made everywhere their travels took them.

Jack had an innate ability to bring people together, and his generosity of spirit was one of his greatest attributes. He did not suffer fools gladly, but he wouldn't ever say a bad word about anyone. He was militantly apolitical, and was a happier man because of it. He followed his beloved Yankees for many years, and more recently became enamored with NCAA football. His biggest love was his family, watching his kids & grand kids grow, and keeping in touch with his many, many friends. If you were a friend of Jack's, I'm sure you know that he cherished your friendship.

Jack is survived by wife, Nancy, and children, Jake & Pam, Don & Ellen, Kate & Matt, Maggie & Nate, and Pat & Britta. Grandchildren CJ, Andrew, Kameron, Julian, Miriam, Findley, Alexander, Blake, and Tenzing.

A memorial service will be held at Burr Oak Groves in Green Lake, WI in the summer of 2026.

View Caleb John "Jack" Blake Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/19/2025

Letters from important figures, a reel of film, and an Academy Award… what do these all have in common? They’re all in the TIMES Archives! Click the link below to explore these and other artifacts from the archives.

The Zapruder film, a note from Martin Luther King, the first TIME logo, and more

11/18/2025

James Bryant Golson

James “Jimbo” Golson, age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025 in his home at Howard Creek, surrounded by the place and the people he loved most.

Born and raised in Greenwood, Florida, Jimbo carried small-town grit, humor, and heart with him everywhere he went. For the past 30 years, he made Howard Creek his home—its woods, water, and quiet corners perfectly fitting the man who lived life entirely on his own terms.

If you ever met Jimbo, you probably never forgot him. He was unapologetically himself—always saying exactly what he thought, whether you were ready to hear it or not. Usually the loudest in the room, he had an answer for everything (asked for or not), and he had a talent for making people laugh even when he wasn’t trying to. His presence was big, his opinions even bigger, and his humor could fill a house, a boat, or an entire gathering.

Jimbo lived a full and fearless life, doing exactly what he wanted to do, exactly how he wanted to do it. And he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jo Carol Golson, and three daughters who will forever carry his spirit: Neva Butler and her husband Randy, and their children Ema-Grace, Sarah, Ana, Asher, Ava, and Jaken Dion Cox and her husband Kevin, and their daughter Callie Dana Mallon and her husband Shane, and their son Dane

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, laughed with (and sometimes at) him endlessly, and will miss him always.

Jimbo Golson lived big, loved fiercely, and left a mark that will not fade. His stories, his voice, and the laughter he sparked will echo for generations.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.

View James Bryant Golson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/14/2025

We understand that putting together a eulogy for a loved one can be a daunting task. As you begin to write the eulogy, check out these guidelines that can help you avoid common mistakes.

Writing a eulogy is a big task! While there's no set way to create a eulogy, here are a few things to avoid.

11/12/2025

If you are retired, you might be seeking new friendships in this next chapter of your life. Click the link below for practical suggestions to help you make new connections.

Feeling disconnected in retirement? Learn actionable ways to make new friends, expand your social circle, and combat loneliness.

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

Emmie Marie Young

Emmie Marie Young, 89, of Wewahitchka, Florida, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on November 10th, 2025.

Emmie was born on November 20th, 1935, to James and Alma Oliver in Wewahitchka, Florida.

Emmie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kindness, love of family, and for the countless lives she touched through her faith in Jesus Christ. She was a member of Westside Baptist Church where she taught a women’s Sunday Morning Bible Study and was active in the Women’s Missionary Union. Throughout her life, she used her gift of teaching for the Lord’s work in New York, Alabama, and Florida.

In addition to her love of teaching, Emmie enjoyed working in her yard. She was happy to return to Florida after living in New York for twenty-seven years because the warmer weather allowed her to enjoy her favorite pastime of gardening with her husband and family. She loved all the beautiful flowers and plants in her yard and could work all year round.

Emmie was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Eugene Young, “My Dear” of 67 years, grandson, Sean Michael Kerrigan and siblings, Bert Barfield, Josephine Bagby and James C. Oliver.

She is survived by her three daughters, Anita Askew, Diane Kerrigan (Tom), Debbie (Derrick) Ge**er; grandchildren, Jonathan (Tanya) Askew, Daniel (Rita) Askew, Jeannie (John) Ford, Stephen Askew, Melissa (Anderson) Otts, Patrick and Brian Kerrigan, Katie (Joey) Fucci, Bryce (Victoria) Ge**er; great grandchildren, Cassidy (Lance) Kinard, Olivia and Alexis Askew, Nathaniel and Chase Ford, Destany (Nick) Lewis, Austin, Sierra, and Dakota Askew, Bryceden Pynes, Makayla, Zachary, Connor and Justin Mamoran, Oliver Kerrigan, Amelia and Daisy Fucci, and Annabeth Ge**er; great grandchildren, Jayden McArdle, and Josephine Lewis; and special nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00am Central Time on Thursday, November 13th at Westside Baptist Church in Wewahitchka, Florida, with Pastor Derrick Ge**er officiating. Interment will follow at Roberts Cemetery in Honeyville, Florida.

Emmie’s grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Westside Baptist Church in her memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.

View Emmie Marie Young's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.